FBI Seizes Over $17 Billion from Foreign Scam Networks in Major Operation

Washington, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The FBI has announced a significant victory against international fraud, seizing over $17 billion from foreign scam networks. This operation, dubbed “Operation Blackout,” was led by FBI Director Kash Patel and involved collaboration with various partners.

During a White House meeting on cybercrime and online fraud, Patel revealed that the FBI, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s offices, has successfully retrieved this substantial amount. He emphasized that this recovery signifies a major step in combating fraud targeting American citizens.

Patel, the first Indian-American FBI director, noted the destruction of more than 20 scam compounds operated by criminal organizations. He described these scam centers as extensive operations, likening them to small cities where victims of human trafficking are often held. These networks span Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The FBI has remained vigilant, even as these criminal groups shifted their operations to Africa. Just two weeks ago, agents arrested 300 individuals in Ghana and Nigeria, recovering approximately $1.5 million that had been fraudulently obtained from American seniors.

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanch reported that in April, the FBI and Dubai police arrested at least 276 individuals and shut down nine scam centers targeting U.S. citizens. Charges were also filed against the managers and recruiters of these networks.

President Donald Trump opened the meeting by highlighting that federal law enforcement agencies have warned over 10,000 Americans about potential fraud this year, successfully averting nearly $1.6 billion in losses. He noted that agencies have frozen around $1 billion worth of digital assets linked to foreign scammers, shut down over 500 fraudulent websites, and deactivated millions of online accounts misused by foreign criminals.

Blanch further stated that the State Department is now denying visas to individuals involved in scam activities. This initiative ensures that no part of the government provides a safe haven for these criminals. The FBI and Homeland Security are actively identifying these offenders, while the State Department takes action against their visas.

He did not disclose how many visa applications have been rejected or the nationalities affected by this policy. Blanch also announced the establishment of a new “Scam Center Cell” in collaboration with the Homeland Security Task Force. This unit aims to dismantle entire networks instead of targeting individual scammers.

In addition, the Department of Justice recently seized a platform known as “Shinbi Criminal Marketplace,” along with $52 million in assets linked to it, coinciding with sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department.

Patel praised major tech companies like Meta, Google, Microsoft, and IBM for their support in shutting down criminal networks and suspicious domains online. He urged the public to report any incidents of online fraud or relevant information to the FBI, emphasizing that no detail is too small in the fight against scammers.